L. MathekaKPA stun GSU to keep title hopes alive
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 03.10.23. | 16:55
The champions will be determined on Wednesday when the final round of matches will be played.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) humbled Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) men's league record champions GSU 3-0 to move closer to clinching their maiden league title.
The James Ontere-coached Dockers came into the match on the back of a 3-1 loss to former champions Prisons Kenya and needed a lifeline.
GSU, on their part, were on two points after struggling to beat Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-2 on the opening day.
KPA OBLITERATES GSU IN STRAIGHT SETS
— Kenya Volleyball Federation (@KenyaVolley) October 3, 2023
In an astonishing comeback, KPA bounced back from their Day 1 loss (1-3) to Prisons Kenya, delivering a stunning upset by defeating the Defending Champions, GSU, in straight sets: 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-14). It's a painful loss for the champs. pic.twitter.com/Ohc7LBywrB
The Mombasa-based side was better from the get-go, racing to a 6-2 lead in the first set, but the paramilitary side rallied to come to within a point of equaling the score at 10-9, forcing KPA into a timeout.
GSU were, however, unable to assume the lead despite equalizing the scores at 10, 19, and 23, losing the set 25-23.
The second set was closely fought, with Ontere's charges taking charge at 6-5, and despite a spirited effort to regain control, GSU lost 25-22.
With a dejected look on their faces, Gideon Tarus' charges had no fight left in them after going behind 10-5 and 16-8 with nothing seemingly working for the 16-time champions, who lost the set 25-14 and the match by straight sets.
With the result, GSU are out of title contention as they head to the final match with two points, four behind their opponent in the final match, Prisons Kenya.
"It was a bad day for us. KPA were the better side today, and they took advantage of our mistakes to win the game," coach Tarus offered.
Meanwhile, KPA skipper Elijah Bosire admitted that their start against Prisons served as an eye-opener and gave his side much-needed insights into what needed to change.
"Coming into the match, we knew we were better than GSU and just needed to be confident in our plays to win. We remained composed and fought from the onset, unlike in the Prisons match.
Against KDF on Wednesday, we bring the same morale to the match, and if history is anything to go by, we are going for a win," Bosire offered.
Meanwhile, Prisons Kenya lead the standings by six points, having picked up their second victory in a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-22) against KDF to move closer to reclaiming the title they last won six seasons ago.
Skipper Hudson Chesoli says the title is theirs to lose. "The secret will be in our reception, and if that works for us, we will beat GSU," the veteran player said.
MATCH DAY 2 RESULTS
KDF VS PRISONS KENYA
0-3 (21-25, 18-25, 22-25)
KPA VS GSU
3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-14)
KCB VS DCI
3-0 (28-26, 25-17, 25-15)
